Key media alliances celebrate the trustworthiness of TV on World Television Day

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the Association of Commercial Television in Europe (ACT) and egta, the association of television and radio sales houses are celebrating the trustworthiness of television on the occasion of World Television Day (21 November), as declared by the United Nations.

This year again, the three organisations have produced a 30-second video clip (above) emphasising the role TV has around the world as provider of trusted content. It will be aired by broadcasters across Europe, Asia, Canada, USA and Australia on 21 November. To celebrate their love of television, viewers are encouraged to use the hashtags #WeloveTV and #WorldTVDay on social networks on 21 November.

The video highlights that now, more than ever, the trustworthiness of television plays a central part in our daily lives as it keeps viewers up to date on what is going on at home and abroad and brings the world’s attention to what matters. Editorial responsibility, truthful reporting, top quality content, the safest environment and the reliable, independent measurement system are the DNA of TV. This makes it a unique medium for world-class content and a fully brand-safe environment… no matter on which device.

Recent studies have shown:

that levels of trust in traditional media are increasing across Europe as people question the veracity of what they see and read online. In 70% out of 33 countries surveyed, people indicate they tend to trust TV and in 11 countries TV is even considered the most trusted medium1

that the reputation of traditional broadcast media outlets has proven more resilient than social media platforms and online-only news outlets, primarily as a result of the depth of coverage being delivered. In all markets, television is considered the second most trusted medium (after printed news magazines) with 69% of consumers trusting the news source.2

that in a context of growing concerns over fake news, TV is the most trusted news source across all demographic groups, with Canadians watching 101 million hours of news/week.3

that TV is firmly entrenched in the lives of the UK population and TV advertising drives the greatest level of trust and emotional connection (respectively 42% and 58% for population 15+).4

These collected studies on trust and more can be consulted in a dedicated section on the World TV Day website.

Trustworthiness is a key value, now more than ever, to the television industry. This medium must play its role as a safeguard against the growing circulation of fake news, propaganda and hate speech available on an increasing number of communications platforms.

Noel Curran, EBU Director General said: "Public service broadcasters are proud to have the trust of their audiences. News and current affairs, on television in particular, are core to public service media (PSM). Informing all audiences with independent news and helping them to better understand the world is crucial for a democratic society. Through its Quality Journalism initiative, the EBU is building on the strength of the Eurovision newsroom and developing new services to help public service media sustain audience trust and remain a key source of information for individuals."

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The European Broadcasting Union is the world’s foremost alliance of public service media, representing over a hundred organizations worldwide. We strive to secure a sustainable future for public service media, provide our Members with world-class content through the Eurovision and Euroradio brands, and build on our founding ethos of solidarity and co-operation to create a centre for learning and sharing. Find out more about us.